Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Can an Atomic produce a good coffee?

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • #16
    Re: Can an Atomic produce a good coffee?

    Ive had varying success and am determined to get the hang of this machine - one of the experts is Stella - see a recent posting under Atomic Collectors thread

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMD4EogXwGU

    Comment


    • #17
      Re: Can an Atomic produce a good coffee?

      Thanks for posting the clip its always interesting to watch what others do.

      If you watch the clip from the point of view of the coffee making, then I am afraid the black coffee has been massacred  

      Without knowing what transpired before the filming of the clip (ie good beans, proper grind and dose, proper heat source technique during "erogation" of the black coffee  etc.), note that all the while that milk steaming is happening, steamy burnt bitter dregs are flowing into the coffee jug, and the contents of that jug are then used in the milk coffee. This will impart an extreme burnt bitter over extracted character which is only ok, if that is what you want.

      If it were me, I would have removed the coffee jug immediately the brewing was finished, and replaced it with some other container to sit there and catch the burnt dregs that steamed out of the group while the "milking" was happening.

      Its simple details like this that make or break the black coffee from machines like this and then, the resulting milk coffee.

      Regardz,
      Attilio
      very first CS site sponsor.

      Comment


      • #18
        Re: Can an Atomic produce a good coffee?

        Attillo is quite correct: Stella may be an atomic guru- but that video is not the best atomic coffee work I have seen.

        However as I have mentioned previously there is another way to stop the over-extraction and that is to only use around half a jug of water at the start. This way the coffee flow stops before the coffee gets over-extracted, and you can leave the jug where it is as you steam the milk.

        It is also true that you will not get the same type of crema as you will get from a pump or lever espresso machine: however you can get Crema- as you can see in the photos I posted above. The crema will not be as thick as from an esresso machine but it is still crema... If you use good quality coffee- and start with half a jug of boiled water- and use one of the new stainless steel baskets (with smaller holes)- you will be pleasantly surprised...

        I think I am going to have to make a video...

        in the meantime this one from the CoffeeGuy is quite good:

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZNHib_-uO8

        Comment


        • #19
          Re: Can an Atomic produce a good coffee?

          Hi all of you!

          a) im not considering myself as an expert let alone guru whatsoever. (these are terms given by others, and im very uncomfortable with that and i said that from the start on another Thread)

          b) the video is about foaming milk with the Atomic as the title states... no more no less... (and was aimed at Lucio because he  couldnt believe i could Foam milk with my Atomic like on the pictures i posted on another thread).

          c) the video is not an educating video of perfection for Scholars to see (with tips and tricks and grind and water temperature and ice cube and Coffee provenance and and and) ... it just shows how i make my quick Milk-coffee in the morning.

          d) i do sometimes want good coffee and strive for it and do everything right (especially when i have guests or people to convince) ... and sometimes i just want a quick uncomplicated coffee with milk ... and no, im not calling it Capuccino nor Latte ... because i would need an espresso... (and yes the coffee is destroyed... no question... especially, im experimenting at the moment with paper filter at the bottom of the Metal filter as written on the American Atomic Patent and very fine grind of coffee from dubious plantations   ).

          e) thats a point i always remember from my education... one can always criticize, thats the easy part... doing it is a bit more complicated... so get your video posted!!!

          Many greetings,
          I like Latte.

          Stella

          Ps: If i want an espresso... i go in a Kaffehaus in Vienna... these are legendary and are improving the coffee experience by 100%... they have proper machines too...
          i do not plan any coffee orgasm from the Atomic any time soon... i just strive to make good coffee... which i might achieve sometimes.

          Ps: one can always do it better... just do it.

          Ps: before you ask why i took the video away... very simple... im spending more time answering to critics than searching... and i cant afford that time... ill carry on searching and keeping a bit more to myself... i know how to make the coffee that i like when i want it, i know that my search on certain Atomics would be worth being known...
          now...

          Ps:  i dont mean that im getting the best of my machine every day...
          I admit my Kick is preparing coffee with Soul... i swallow every sip with its History and Mystery... and my experience of it, is what i keep.
          Clearly i could as well use another espresso machine...
          Im using my 1946 Atomic (A) every day at the moment... and it is a unique experience... and i am saying what comes with a smile on my mouth: it makes a Atomic coffee that tastes like 1946... vintage style italian coffee taste. Yummy for the brain...

          Comment


          • #20
            Re: Can an Atomic produce a good coffee?

            Im sorry Stella it was my fault for getting you into this without yr knowledge - and Im the one who called you an "expert."

            I thought I was helping to educate.

            If I ever get to the stage of making a "Latte" like you do then Im definitely going to call myself an "expert"

            It seems like there are no critics like coffee critics - a pity indeed!

            Take care,

            Comment


            • #21
              Re: Can an Atomic produce a good coffee?

              Unless I am mistaken this topic is called "can an atomic produce a good coffee"

              Stella, there was no malice intended, and no explanation from your part was required although I did enjoy reading your post. It usually doesnt take any longer to do things better, and I hope the point made in my post  improves your (and others) "quick Milk-coffee in the morning".

              Springbok, a problem in technique that directly affects "good coffee" was found, and a solution was given...there was no criticism for criticism sake. And to borrow your phrase ....."I thought I was helping to educate....."  People put their questions out there, and presumably expect to receive a high standard of reply.

              Reiterating from above " Its simple details like this that make or break the black coffee from machines like this and then, the resulting milk coffee"

              A.




              Comment


              • #22
                Re: Can an Atomic produce a good coffee?

                Ja well no fine -

                "I am afraid the black coffee has been massacred " is hardly constructive criticism - snobbish definitely

                I think I need a break....

                Comment


                • #23
                  Re: Can an Atomic produce a good coffee?

                  Originally posted by 331012090E07020F0B600 link=1274336931/21#21 date=1276476054
                  "I am afraid the black coffee has been massacred  " is hardly constructive criticism - snobbish definitely
                  Ouch, a little unfair there arent we bok?

                  Its not warm&fuzzy.com.au but coffeesnobs.com.au and as such, the bar it set pretty high for coffee quality whatever the extraction method.

                  Unlike many one-eyed single extraction method champions (the "my method is the only method" type), Atillio presented a balanced commentary on stove top vs espresso machine brewing.  

                  I struggle to see how any coffee thats come about from super-heated steam passing through the grounds is anything but massacred.

                  Best wishes,


                  Epic.

                  edit:

                  For fear of misunderstanding>

                  super-heated steam passing...
                  refers solely to leaving the cup under the handle during texturing etc.  Its NOT criticisim of the Atomic, a machine I look forward to trying in the future  

                  Comment


                  • #24
                    Re: Can an Atomic produce a good coffee?

                    Originally posted by 5073716A6D64616C68030 link=1274336931/21#21 date=1276476054
                    I think I need a break....
                    More sleep, less Soccer and Mampoer maybe ;D

                    I like the Atomic brews in part for what it is you are using to make the brew with and for a change from espresso or syphon or pourover or whatever I have been using. Yes there is better gear and coffee methods out there but Variety is the spice of life and I havnt had a "bad coffee" from my Atomic yet and still trying for that great one :

                    Comment


                    • #25
                      Re: Can an Atomic produce a good coffee?

                      Originally posted by 587B7962656C6964600B0 link=1274336931/21#21 date=1276476054
                      "I am afraid the black coffee has been massacred" is hardly constructive criticism - snobbish definitely
                      At least he didnt say annihilated!

                      Comment


                      • #26
                        Re: Can an Atomic produce a good coffee?

                        Back to the question being asked: in my opinion good coffee, yes, but nothing more.

                        Comment


                        • #27
                          Re: Can an Atomic produce a good coffee?

                          The beauty of the Atomic is not that it produces espresso with an inch of crema. The beauty is that is can make a great cup of coffee, and you can froth milk, anywhere: with no electricity. It is ideally suited for travel and camping. It is also ideally suited for the many thousands of coffee drinkers who do not own espresso machines, the moka pot crowd. The truth is many people can not be bothered with an electric machine. The morning coffee is fuel to be had quickly- and any brew will suffice.

                          Plus atomic type coffee makers, are works of functional art and good to have around.

                          As with all brewing methods the key is to find the right grind size- once you have it dialed in you are good to go. Using a hand grinder works well with the atomic as a travel kit. Find the sweetspot on the grind size dial and then make subtle adjustments for different beans. Try grinding medium/fine and simply tapping the basket to settle the grinds. Add a little more and tap down again. Smooth the top with a spoon. This can work as well or better than grinding coarser and tamping.

                          As with any coffee maker (and computer programming):

                          garbage in: garbage out (i.e supermarket coffee- even the expensive fancy ones)

                          Fresh roasted beans from Andy (or another artisan roaster) in:

                          great coffee out. With some Crema.

                          Comment


                          • #28
                            Re: Can an Atomic produce a good coffee?

                            I think I will dust off my Atomic and make the morning brew with it. I will try putting some paper filters in this time.

                            Comment


                            • #29
                              Re: Can an Atomic produce a good coffee?

                              just came across this thread... .
                              I use our atomic every weekend. It does make good coffee - not great espresso with a thick crema, but a good drinkable coffee.
                              You have to perfect the technique though. It find that it is important to use a strong flavoured finely-ground espresso blend. Otherwise it comes out week and thin.
                              Also use a low to medium flame. A high fast flame gives a weaker, sometimes bitter, coffee.
                              It is important to turn the heat off as soon as the coffee is done. (since it doesnt turn off automatically, it is very easy to let it go too long if youre busy - in which case, youll get a burnt taste) Similarly, pour th coffee from the jug as soon as it is ready -otherwise it might overbrew.
                              It froths the milk just as good as any other machine - just practice a bit to get the technique right.
                              As others have pointed out, the atomic will make coffee and froth milk without electricity. It is ideal for travelling and camping - Ive used it many times for this.

                              All up, it makes good coffee and looks great in the kitchen

                              Comment

                              Working...
                              X